Date:03/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/03/stories/2008070356900600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

New copter for YSR to arrive soon from Italy

M. Malleswara Rao

HYDERABAD: The new helicopter meant for use by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy will arrive here on July 17 from Italy.

The State government has purchased an AW-139 chopper at a cost of Rs. 54 crore from Augusta Westland, world leader in manufacture of helicopters, going by its advanced technology and superior features.

The present aircraft, a Bell 430, which was purchased for Rs. 20 crore in 1998, has been found to be inadequate in terms of seating capacity and was also requiring frequent repairs and overhauling.

A pilot, Manthena Jagan Mohan, is already in Italy to bring the AW-139 in parts by a transport aircraft. The parts will be re-assembled in Hyderabad under the supervision of the aeronautic engineers from the Augusta Westland.

Manmohan Singh, secretary, Infrastructure & Investment, told this correspondent here on Wednesday that the government was also planning to purchase a jet plane so that the Chief Minister could reach distant places in the State faster.

Six-seater

The Bell 430, like most helicopters used by the VVIPs in India, is a six-seater. With two seats in the front for the pilot and co-pilot, it can seat five others. This means that the Chief Minister can take only three others along with him. The AW-139 of Augusta Westland, in contrast, can accommodate 14 persons, apart from pilot and co-pilot.